VIRGIN SOIL
eyes upon him, and said absently, 'I wanted to ask you, Paklin, haven't you any notes of Nezhdanov's or his photograph?'
'I have a photograph... yes; and I fancy rather a good one, in the table. I'll find it for you directly.'
He began rummaging in the drawer, while Snanduliya went up to Mashurina, and with a long, intent look of sympathy she clasped her hand like a comrade.
'Here it is! I have found it!' cried Paklin, and he gave her the photograph. Mashurina, with hardly a glance at it, and without a word of thanks, crimsoning all over, thrust it quickly into her pocket, put on her hat, and was making for the door.
'Are you going?' said Paklin. 'Tell us, at least, where you live?'
'As it happens.'
'I understand, you don't wish me to know, then! Well, tell me, please, one thing any way: are you still working under the orders of Vassily Nikolaevitch?'
'What is that to you?'
'Or perhaps of some other—Sidor Sidoritch?'
Mashurina made no answer.
'Or does some one anonymous direct you?'
Mashurina was already across the threshold
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